12V vs 24V: Which Voltage is Best for Your Needs?

The selection of an electrical system requires choosing its operating voltage as one of its fundamental elements. Two primary system voltage choices exist for multiple applications between 12 Volt vs 24 Volt. The main distinction between 12V and 24V becomes clear when deciding which system best fits your requirements. In the following article, we will explain how to determine between 12V vs 24V systems based on your needs.

Understanding 12V and 24V

The foundation for understanding 12V and 24V system distinctions requires basic knowledge about these voltages. Let’s take a look at the basics of each voltage system:

What does 12V mean?

Each voltage system carries a specific number that represents its operating voltage, also known as its nominal voltage. A 12V system operates with a standard direct current voltage of 12 volts. When fully charged, a 12V battery delivers voltage at about 12 volts.

The correct operation of devices meant for 12V systems requires an input voltage of 12V. The devices will either malfunction or stop functioning when the voltage supply exceeds or falls below the specified level.

How is a 24V system made?

A 24V system functions as two 12V subsystems that are linked in series configuration. Two 12V batteries or sources wired in series combination create a total voltage output of about 24V. The design of 24V devices includes specifications for functioning at this specific voltage level.

12V vs 24V: What's the Difference?

The next part will examine the fundamental difference between 12V and 24V. Your selection of the optimal power system depends on deciding between 12 Volt vs 24 Volt systems.

Voltage and Power Output

A 24V system produces a higher voltage output than 12V systems because it reaches 24V at full charge while 12V systems stop at 12V.

The power output of a system increases when a user applies higher voltage, although the current flow remains constant according to Ohm's law. A 24V system becomes the better power solution compared to 12V for applications needing increased power output.

Efficiency and Power Loss

Electric systems experience energy loss primarily because of the resistance found in wires and system components. The physical laws show that power losses directly correlate with current strength, which is measured by its squared value.

A 24V system can transmit identical power through half the current flow of 12V systems, which results in minimal power losses.

Applications

The choice between 12V and 24V may also depend on the application and devices you need to power. Some devices and appliances may only be available in 12V, especially smaller, portable electronics and lighting. However, there are an increasing number of 24V versions available for devices like pumps, motors and even LED lighting strips.

Industrial, commercial, and higher power applications more commonly use 24V because of the greater power delivery and efficiency. But either voltage system may be acceptable depending on the actual load requirements.

Cost and Complexity

24V systems do come at an increased cost and complexity. At minimum you need two 12V batteries instead of one, and 24V charging systems usually cost more than 12V equivalents.

There are also more safety considerations given the higher voltage. However, for larger installations and equipment already operating at 24V DC, this complexity may be justified.

Battery Life and Size

Using two 12V batteries for a 24V system does affect battery life and capacity compared to a single 12V battery. In effect, you halve the life and capacity that could be achieved with two dedicated 12V batteries powering separate loads.

You also need twice the battery volume for a 24V system at the same capacity. It may be an issue for applications where space is constrained. But, the trade-off is you can deliver higher power for the same space using 24V.

24V vs 12V: Where to Use?

Given their different characteristics, 24V and 12V systems are suited to some applications more than others. Here are some examples:

12V vs 24V Cummins

In diesel engines for trucks and heavy machinery, both 12V and 24V starter systems are commonly found. 24V is often used on larger displacement engines above 5 liters, which require higher power density to start. However, 12V starters can achieve the same performance if designed appropriately.

12V vs 24V Kids Car

Electric kids ride-on cars almost exclusively use 12V battery systems. At this small scale, 12V is ideal to deliver enough power for speeds up to 10 mph while keeping costs and component ratings down. It is important to know that upgrading to 24V would offer little benefit for most kids' vehicles.

12V vs 24V Power Wheels

Modified power wheels operated by older children may benefit from upgrading the factory 12V system to 24V. It allows fitting higher power motors and supporting mods for increased range and speed capabilities up to 15 mph. However, it does also increase cost and reduces safe operability for toddlers.

12V vs 24V Ride On

For adult ride-on vehicles like golf carts and mobility scooters, either 12V or 24V systems are commonly available. 24V variants support increased range and power for longer use between charges. But, most 12V models provide adequate performance for casual, shorter distance use if desired.

12V vs 24V LED Strip

LED strip lighting runs perfectly fine at 12V for most residential and commercial installations. 24V strips are only needed for very long runs where voltage drop could become an issue at 12V. So for most purposes, 12V LED strips are ideal in terms of cost and simplicity.

12V vs 24V Security Camera

Security cameras and other low power electronics can easily operate at 12V. However, 24V systems may be preferred for security lighting, motion detectors and other security hardware, as they can deliver greater power to these devices especially if located far from the supply.

For example, the Reolink Home Hub requires a 12V/1A DC power connection for regular operation. Users can pair various battery cameras with the hub to create customized wireless security camera systems. When combined with the Argus 4 Pro, it offers features like full-color night vision, a 180-degree field of view, and more!

Is 12V or 24V Better?

So when considering 12V vs 24V systems, is one better than the other? In reality, both 12V or 24V have relative pros and cons depending on the exact application requirements.

12V Battery: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Lower cost
• Easier to install and operate safely
• Often sufficient for electronics, lighting, and smaller loads
• Can achieve good run times with large capacity 12V batteries

Cons:

• Not suitable for high power appliances and equipment
• More losses and less efficiency over long cable runs
• Requires thicker cables for higher current loads

24V Battery: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Supports higher power equipment at lower currents
• Increased efficiency with less losses
• Better for long cable runs with less voltage drop
• Enables higher speed battery-powered vehicles

Cons:

• Increased cost and complexity
• Can be overkill for smaller loads like charging phones
• Requires twice the battery volume for the same capacity
• Needs safety precautions for higher voltages

12V vs 24V Battery: How to Choose Between Them?

Evaluating different kinds of factors will help guide your choice between 12V and 24V systems. Where requirements suit either voltage, 12V may be the simplest and most cost effective solution. However, 24V can enable higher performance if needed.

So when should you choose a 12V or 24V system? Here is a quick guide:

• For low power electronics under 50W, a 12V battery or power supply is the best choice.
• If you need to power larger equipment drawing over 50W, especially with longer cable runs, a 24V battery is preferable.
• Consider 24V where you have existing higher voltage equipment or infrastructure already in place.
• For applications requiring portable battery power, you may lean towards 12V given the lower cost and ease of finding suitable batteries compared to 24V.
• Safety and the experience of users is also worth considering. 24V systems do carry higher risk of electric shock as compared to 12V.

FAQs

Which is better 12V or 24V?

The selection depends on specific requirements because 24V systems provide higher power efficiency, yet 12V systems work sufficiently while being easier to maintain and less expensive.

What makes more power 12V or 24V?

A higher voltage system such as 24V provides naturally higher power output compared to a lower voltage system such as 12V. The system enables users to operate bigger equipment and devices, which cannot function properly at 12V.

What happens if I put 24V into 12V equipment?

Putting 24V power into a device built for 12V operation will lead to permanent destruction as well as fire risks. The voltage of connected equipment must match its rating since 24V should never power devices rated for 12V.

Conclusion

The choice between 12V and 24V systems requires evaluation of cost, system complexity, efficiency, and power delivery capabilities to run equipment. Simpler 12V systems efficiently power numerous electronics and small devices. The 24V voltage system provides better power output distribution at lower current levels, which enables users to use high voltage equipment and extend cable lengths.

The best system selection depends entirely on your application needs together with the devices you want to power. The knowledge of essential distinctions between 12V and 24V systems now enables you to select the best solution for your requirements.